SELLAR

Cities can only truly thrive when they listen to their people and adapt to their evolving wants and needs.   By carefully shaping new environments we can empower all who call them home, and we were pleased to see several major planning approvals announced across the City of London in the last week, sparking lasting change for our Capital.   This includes our own 60 Gracechurch Street which will be transformed into a world-class, sustainable landmark.   City Hall is also a great example of making change for the better. Stood empty since 2021, it is no longer fit for purpose but the new plans will breathe life into the building, transforming it into an animated hub for the community and its occupiers. 👏

Exciting news for the Square Mile 💥 The City of London Corporation has approved plans for 60 Gracechurch Street – a groundbreaking project set to be one of the most sustainable office spaces in the City, offering:   🏢Over 37,000 square metres of Grade A office space 🤸♀️A range of public benefits for residents, workers and visitors 🧑🎨Innovative design led by renowned Danish architectural practice 3XN/GXN    Our CEO, James Sellar, commented: “We have a shared commitment with Obayashi to develop a distinctively designed new landmark office building within the City’s Eastern cluster. We also have a clear aim for 60 Gracechurch Street to be one of the Square Mile’s most sustainable and wellness focused workplaces and today’s decision marks an important step in taking us closer to achieving those goals. There is an acute shortage of office space across London that is able to meet the exacting requirements of the modern occupier and we firmly believe that being able to satisfy that demand is an important component in London’s ability to attract leading businesses and ensure it maintains its status as a world-class city.    “We would like to thank the City of London Corporation for their support and we now look forward to working with them and other local stakeholders as we continue to bring forward this exciting project.” 📷 : 3XN/GXN 

At Sellar, we design spaces that serve the public just as thoughtfully as they serve those inside. We love to see The Shard being brought to life with such an exciting activation! #PaddingtonInPeru #TheShard #CommunitySpaces #InnovativeDesign

Great to see the Elizabeth Line has been honoured with the UK’s most prestigious architecture prize, the RIBA Stirling Prize. At Sellar, we are passionate about the importance of transport infrastructure and its crucial role in shaping London’s future.   Sellar is proud of its transformative transport projects made possible through successful collaborations with Network Rail, Transport for London, and leading partners to deliver placemaking projects in London Bridge Quarter and the Paddington Square development.   Our ongoing collaboration with MTR and Network Rail on the proposed £1.5 billion upgrade to Liverpool Street Station, in partnership with Herzog & de Meuron, is an exciting opportunity to create another globally renowned transport hub while preserving and enhancing Liverpool Street’s historic architecture.   These partnerships reflect our commitment to creating places for a better tomorrow for London through innovative public-private collaborations.

We are pleased to announce that our client – Southwark Homes Limited – has sold its King’s Place development in Southwark to Unite Students. A project for which Sellar has strategically advised on, acting as Development Manager and successfully secured full planning consent with unanimous approval earlier in 2024. The redundant office and retail site can now be transformed into a profitable Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme. It is a great example of unlocking a site's potential through high quality, design-led development. Working in collaboration with Morris + Company architects, we designed this vibrant development to serve the growing student population in central London, providing excellent wellbeing and amenity focused spaces with connectivity to local universities. King’s Place will feature 444 beds, including 308 studios and 136 en-suite cluster rooms, alongside eight key worker apartments and approximately 18,000 sq ft of workspace. James Sellar, CEO of Sellar, shares his thoughts: “We saw an opportunity to turn a redundant office and retail site into a state-of-the-art student accommodation facility with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing, recognising the problems of isolation and loneliness in university settings. "Securing planning consent was a key milestone, and we are delighted to have added significant value to the project. Our track record in Southwark, including successful projects like Shard Quarter and Bermondsey Yards, showcases our dedication to contributing positively to the community." This achievement highlights Sellar’s expertise in creating value through strategic planning and development. We look forward to seeing Unite Students deliver this project, enhancing the student living experience in London.

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Following a unanimous decision from Hertsmere Borough Council, we are delighted to have secured outline planning consent for a 120,000 sq ft industrial and warehousing facility on a five-acre non-greenbelt site in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - a prime location directly adjacent to Sky Studios campus, the A1, and within the M25.   The project has been designed to provide flexible logistics, warehousing, media-related and data centre uses. In line with our broader ambition towards sustainable development, the facility has ambitions to be BREEAM Outstanding. Carbon neutrality will be sought in operation, with the site set to include green roofs, an extensive array of PV solar panels, EV charging spaces and cycle spaces. It is also expected to create up to 600 new jobs both on site and indirectly to support the local economy.   Our chief executive, James Sellar, said: “We are delighted to secure consent for a highly sustainable B2/B8 facility, which aligns with the council’s objectives to promote sustainable development and employment growth in the borough, relieving pressure on the green belt. The project is located next to Sky Studios in the Elstree and Borehamwood area, which has been at the heart of British cinema and television for over a century. Designed with this in mind, it will also offer flexibility to accommodate other uses such as logistics, warehousing and data centre.”   #PlanningApproval #IndustrialDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment 

This year International Women’s Day examines what it truly means to inspire inclusion and how we can create a world that is diverse and equitable.   Our Chief Financial Officer, Melinda Knatchbull, entered the world of real estate some 20 years ago after supporting Insight Investment list its real estate arm, Invista Real Estate Investment Management. During that time she has seen first-hand how the industry has become far more forward-thinking when it comes to technology, sustainability, and, importantly, its people.   “The industry has really improved over the last 20 years when it comes to inclusivity. There is no denying that when I started my career it was largely dominated by men but I am excited to see how diverse it is becoming.    “What I love about the sector is its ability to positively impact our day to day lives. Sellar is a great example of a company that is truly at the forefront of property development, with a vision for creating iconic places that will leave a lasting legacy – this makes it very tangible and real. For me, what I have enjoyed most about being in real estate though is how many interesting, friendly and personable people I have met.”   Melinda sees significant change coming from the grass roots, where a more inclusive culture is inspiring men and women from different walks of life to enter the industry, which is ultimately having a positive impact on the society we live in. For those considering a career in real estate, Melinda’s key piece of advice is to find a role that you really enjoy and are passionate about.   #InspireInclusivity #IWD #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInRealEstate